Fresh Quest and Fair Trade USA Announce Responsible Melon Production Partnership

10 Mar 2014 --- Agroexportadora Mundial, S.A. the Guatemalan melon farming affiliate for Fresh Quest, Inc. based in Plantation, Florida, today announced its partnership with Fair Trade USA, the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in North America. The farm is the first Central American melon grower to achieve Fair Trade certification.

By purchasing Fresh Quest Fair Trade Certified melons, retailers and consumers can be assured that workers receive fair wages, work in safe conditions, protect the environment and earn community development premiums to improve their lives. For every Fair Trade melon sold, Fresh Quest will pay a premium directly into Fundacion Agromundial, a foundation that is comprised of the Fair Trade committee in Guatemala and is charged with administering the investment of the premium on behalf of all the workers on the farm. The funds will be spent on social projects, such as education and healthcare, with long-term benefits for the workforce in Guatemala.

“For us, offering Fair Trade products is an important means by which to communicate to our customers our commitment to fair wages and workplace safety for the workers in the production of our agricultural products,” said Alan Guttmann, President of Fresh Quest, Inc. “Fresh Quest is deeply committed to social and environmental responsibility. This effort is part of a larger strategy to raise awareness with our customers on how they can make a difference in the world with their purchasing decisions in a highly commoditized industry where product differentiation can be limited.”

“We’re thrilled to begin this new partnership with Agroexportadora Mundial and Fresh Quest,” said Hannah Freeman, Director of Produce & Floral at Fair Trade USA. “It’s wonderful to see how dedicated they are to providing high-quality fruit for their customers, while helping to improve the quality of life for farm workers.”

Fresh Quest, based in Plantation, Florida, is one of the largest distributors of melons in North America. The group consists of vertically integrated operations that control all aspects of its supply chain. Fresh fruits and vegetables are grown, packed and shipped from Central America to various North American and European ports. In addition to leading the industry with its food safety program, Fresh Quest is most noted for producing the highest quality products and its commitment to environmental and social responsibility.